CRA benefits and other Canada Revenue Agency mail can again move through Canada Post after postal operations resumed, according to updated federal guidance.
The CRA says tentative agreements were reached between Canada Post and its union, with both sides agreeing not to engage in a strike or lockout while the ratification process is completed.
The agency’s page was last updated on July 27, 2026, and continues to identify Canada Post operations as resumed.
The update matters to Canadians who receive benefit cheques, tax refunds, notices of assessment, security codes, forms or other CRA correspondence by mail.
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Cra Benefits: What the CRA says about benefit and tax mail
During the disruption, the CRA warned that cheques and paper correspondence could be delayed or held.
Its current guidance says regular cheque production for benefits, credits, rebates and tax refunds continued, while cheques that could not be delivered were to be securely stored until the postal situation was resolved.
With operations resumed, previously held items can move through the postal network.
That does not mean every delayed letter or cheque will arrive immediately, because mail volumes and local delivery conditions can affect when items reach recipients.
The CRA also advises people not to rely solely on paper mail for time-sensitive information.
Notices can be viewed through My Account or My Business Account, and users can request email notifications when new correspondence is available online.
Direct deposit remains the quickest option
Direct deposit remains the most reliable way to receive CRA benefit payments and tax refunds without waiting for a mailed cheque.
People who are registered for direct deposit receive eligible payments directly in their bank accounts.
The CRA says taxpayers should sign up for direct deposit to avoid potential interruptions in receiving benefit payments, particularly during postal disruptions or periods of delivery backlog.
- Use direct deposit for eligible benefit payments and tax refunds.
- Check My Account for notices, payment information and account updates.
- Turn on CRA email notifications when new online mail is available.
- Contact the CRA if an expected cheque or important notice does not arrive after delivery resumes.
What happens to CRA cheques delayed during the disruption
The CRA previously said undelivered cheques would be stored securely rather than cancelled simply because Canada Post service was interrupted.
Recipients who were expecting a refund or benefit cheque should allow time for the postal network to process accumulated mail.
The agency’s page identifies specific arrangements for Canada child benefit cheques and the Newfoundland and Labrador disability benefit during the 2025 labour disruption.
Those dates were December 12, 2025, for direct-deposit payments and December 19, 2025, for cheque delivery, so they should not be treated as new 2026 payment dates.
For current payment dates, recipients should use the CRA’s benefits payment calendar or check their CRA account rather than relying on an old letter or a payment date connected to the earlier disruption.
Taxpayers still have online alternatives
Canadians who need to respond to a CRA notice, make a payment or send information do not have to wait for paper mail service.
The CRA encourages taxpayers and businesses to use electronic payment methods and online filing tools.
Businesses can access mail through My Business Account, file many returns electronically and remit amounts through online services or financial institutions.
Individuals can also use My Account to view notices and tax information.
This can be especially important when a letter contains a deadline, a request for documents or information about an account balance.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call claiming to be from the CRA should use the agency’s official verification tools before providing personal or banking information.
A return to mail delivery does not eliminate the risk of fraud involving fake benefit or tax correspondence.
What readers should do now
People waiting for a CRA cheque should confirm their mailing address and payment status in their CRA account, then allow additional time for delivery if the item was held during the disruption.
Those who need faster access should switch to direct deposit and online correspondence where available.
These options can reduce dependence on Canada Post for future benefit payments, tax refunds and notices.
The CRA’s current guidance confirms that postal operations have resumed, but online access remains the fastest way to check whether a payment or notice has been issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Canada Post operations resumed for CRA mail?
Yes. The CRA says Canada Post operations have resumed after tentative agreements were reached between Canada Post and its union.
Will CRA benefit cheques and tax refunds be delivered by mail again?
Mailed cheques and paper correspondence can resume moving through Canada Post, although delivery timing may vary as held mail is processed.
Is direct deposit still recommended for CRA benefits?
Yes. Direct deposit is generally the quickest way to receive eligible CRA benefit payments and tax refunds.
How can I check whether the CRA has issued a notice or payment?
Sign in to CRA My Account or My Business Account to view notices, payment information and online correspondence.
What should I do if an expected CRA cheque does not arrive?
Check your CRA account and mailing address, allow time for postal processing and contact the CRA if the payment remains missing.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against the CRA’s current postal-disruption guidance and Canada Post’s official corporate updates. ([canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/canada-post-mail-service-disruption-impact-cra.html))
Disclaimer: Delivery timing can vary by location, mail volume and individual account circumstances, so readers should confirm payment details directly through the CRA.